Tripadvisor Unveils “Trendcast” Report, Revealing Future Travel Trends Shaping the Industry

January 27, 2025 – Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel platform, has launched its inaugural Trendcast report, offering an in-depth look at emerging travel trends and predictions for the future. The report draws on global insights, user behavior, and data from Tripadvisor’s vast network of over one billion reviews and contributions.

The Trendcast, sponsored by leading travel insurance provider Travel Guard, provides a forward-looking analysis of travel patterns, focusing on key shifts in traveler preferences. It outlines new motivations, destinations, and experiences shaping the way people travel.

“We’re not just reporting on trends—we’re offering a forecast for the future of travel,” said Hilary Fischer-Groban, Head of Research & Insights at Tripadvisor. “By diving into firsthand data from millions of global travelers, we’ve uncovered fascinating trends and significant cultural changes that are influencing the travel industry. The Trendcast provides a roadmap that can inspire both travelers and industry leaders alike.”

Key Travel Trends Identified

1. Beauty Voyagers: A New Frontier in Self-Care
   Travelers are increasingly seeking specialized beauty treatments that can’t be found at home. From local wellness rituals to advanced skincare technologies, beauty-focused travel is on the rise. Tripadvisor reports an 87% increase in mentions of skincare treatments and a staggering 400% rise in beauty-related bookings.

   Where to experience it: Visit Ayurvedic retreats in Sri Lanka or indulge in South Korean spas, where snail mucin is as commonplace as sunscreen.

2. Time Tripping: Blurring the Lines Between Work and Vacation
   Remote work is transforming travel, with “work-cations” becoming more mainstream. Travelers are increasingly looking to extend their experiences beyond the traditional 9-to-5. Tripadvisor data shows a 110% increase in searches for “open late” and “24-hours” over the past year.

   Where to experience it: The Nautilus Maldives offers an entirely schedule-free experience, including 2 a.m. deep-tissue massages and 24-hour dining options.

3. Written in the Stars: Spiritual Travel Gains Popularity
   Interest in astrology and the mystical has surged, with spiritual experiences becoming key travel motivators. Search data from Tripadvisor reveals a 500% increase in bookings related to astrology, tarot, and full moon experiences over the last two years.

   Where to experience it: The Standard in London hosts zodiac-themed retreats, while Costa Navarino’s Mandarin Oriental offers crystal healing sessions on their spa menu.

4. Investigative Eating: The Rise of Ethical Dining
   As sustainability takes center stage, travelers are becoming more conscious of where and how their food is sourced. Conversations around food sustainability have risen by 65%, and food-related attractions like farms and farmers markets have seen growth rates 1,400% higher than the broader food and drink category.

   Where to experience it: From “steak-cations” in Argentina at Don Julio to seasonal farm stays in Vermont, travelers are seeking authentic, farm-to-table experiences.

5. Nano Neighborhoods: The Shift from Tourist Hotspots to Local Exploration
   Rather than rushing through multiple destinations, travelers are embracing deeper, more intimate experiences in specific neighborhoods. Tripadvisor reports a 134% growth in neighborhood attraction pages, outpacing the average for all types of attractions.

   Where to experience it: Explore Sevilla’s Centro Histórico, which saw a 97% increase in traffic, or take in the charm of Chicago’s Wrigleyville, where traffic grew by 72%.

6. Solo Social: Independent Travel Becomes a Group Experience
   Solo travel is increasingly seen as an aspirational pursuit, with many solo adventurers seeking opportunities to meet new people. According to Tripadvisor, 36% of solo travelers cite “meeting new people” as a primary motivation for their trips, and solo travelers are 60% more likely to mention “making friends” in their reviews.

   Where to experience it: Join small group tours in London’s historic pubs or explore Iceland’s south coast while forging new friendships along the way.

Methodology Behind the Trendcast

The Tripadvisor Trendcast is grounded in the platform’s extensive global user data, which includes searches, reviews, bookings, page views, and conversations from millions of travelers. Over the past two years, Tripadvisor tracked shifts in behavior to identify emerging trends and cultural changes that are reshaping the travel landscape.

With this new report, Tripadvisor provides a unique lens into the evolving nature of travel, offering both industry stakeholders and travelers a roadmap to navigate the future of exploration.